an aviation tradition.
If someone else does it, there’s generally no reason to assume the gesture has a hidden technical meaning.
The sensible approach is to follow airport staff instructions and avoid touching aircraft surfaces, equipment, or restricted areas unless you are specifically authorized to do so.
Aircraft are complex machines, and the area around them can involve moving equipment, service vehicles, and other operational hazards. Passengers should stay within designated boarding routes and follow crew and ground-staff guidance.
In other words, curiosity is fine, but there is
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